Barcelona and Spain forward Lamine Yamal says he believes he has been at Ballon d’Or-winning level for more than one season, pushing back on the idea that his age is being used as a reason to delay the award.
“It’s not only this year,” Yamal says
The 19-year-old said his performances have merited the prize before now, despite not having won it.
“Honestly, it’s not only this year that I’ve been at Ballon d’Or level. It’s been longer than that,” Yamal said.
Yamal: I’m being told to wait my turn
Yamal suggested voters may be delaying his recognition simply because of his age, assuming he will have future chances to win.
“I think people think: ‘Lamine is only 19, he’ll win it at some point, so let’s give it to someone else’,” he said.
Determined to end the debate
Rather than accept that reasoning, Yamal said he intends to keep performing at the highest level until the argument disappears entirely.
“I just have to win, win and win,” he said. “The moment will come when there is no debate anymore.”
